WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover Review

Our verdict

The WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover in brief. Who it's for: buyers prioritizing Pool covers that fit their specific use case and budget.

The Safety Rating Explained

ASTM F1346 is the American Society for Testing and Materials standard for residential pool safety covers.

A cover classified to this standard has beento: Support a combined weight of at least 485 pounds (an adult and child together) at the center Prevent a child from slipping under the cover edge Mainta in structural integrity under the rated load A cover that claims to be a "safety cover" without ASTM F1346 classification has not been independently.

UL classification (which WaterWarden carries) means Underwriters Laboratories verified the cover against the ASTM standard, not just the manufacturer's claim.

Anchor Installation

Safety covers anchor into the pool deck via flush-mount brass anchors.

The anchors are drilled into the concrete or paver deck around the pool perimeter at intervals specified by the cover manufacturer.

Installation requires: a hammer drill with appropriate masonry bit, the anchor installation tool (included), and accurate measurement of anchor spacing.

The cover includes a layout diagram specifying exact anchor placement for the pool size ordered.

Mesh vs Solid Safety Covers

Safety covers come in mesh or solid material.

Mesh advantages: ra in and snowmelt dra in through automatically.

No cover pump needed during the off-season.

Lighter weight (easier to install and remove).

Off-Season Pool Chemistry

A safety cover does not eliminate the need for off-season pool chemistry management.

Recommendations for pools with a mesh safety cover: Shock the pool to 10 ppm chlorine before closing Add a phosphate remover and algaecide Mainta in a residual of 1-2 ppm chlorine through winter (check monthly) Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4 before closing

Warranty

WaterWarden's 15-year warranty is one of the longer warranties in the residential safety cover category.

It covers material and construction defects.

Read the warranty terms before purchase, warranty coverage typically requires correct installation (correct anchor spacing) and use with in the specified pool dimensions.

Best Pool Covers: Top Picks for Solar Heating, Safety, and WinterizingPool Covers · List How to Choose a Pool Cover: Sizing, Materials, R-Value, and Safety Ratings ExplainedPool Covers · Guide Our editorial team researches and writes every review independently.